Skip to main content
error

error

300 3.0
A computer problem that makes a program give a wrong result or stop
  • noun
  • /ˈɛrər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : error
  • When the program crashed, an error message appeared on the screen.
  • error detection
  • error correction
  • correct errors

If we can't maintain error correction, then that quote is right.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • So for example, you can show the error message like this.

  • By the time Vermser realizes his error, it's too late.

  • This is why the error rate is just too high.

  • If you found a system error, how were you going to fix it?

  • But can you reduce the error on your future predictions?

  • If you feel you have reached this recording in error, please hang up and dial again.

  • Additionally, there is potential for human error, as I sorted the data by hand.

    Academic text (2017)
  • I've discovered a serious error... ...in the accounts of your last show, Funny Boy.

  • A computer error unlocked every cell in block three, the last place you want something like that to happen.

  • Yeah, he got his name through a clerical error.

Synonyms

mistake
vserror
1.0

A wrong action or decision

refers to a computer producing an incorrect result rather than a person's wrong action
bug
vserror
  • Specialized
211 2.8

An error in a computer program that makes it not work correctly

covers any incorrect result or message, not only program faults
inaccuracy
vserror
24 4.9

A mistake in information or measurement

applies specifically to a computer producing wrong outputs or showing problem messages
computer error
vserror
4 2.8

A problem in a computer that makes it give wrong or unexpected results

is broader, covering both wrong results and messages indicating problems

Antonyms

1.0

Getting what you want after working hard

169 3.8

How close a measurement or statement is to the correct value

Idioms

Finding a solution by trying different ways and learning from mistakes

Compounds

margin of error
  • Specialized
27 4.2

An amount that shows how much a number or result may be wrong

A way of solving a problem by trying different solutions until one works

Space that allows small mistakes without big problems

A problem in a computer that makes it give wrong or unexpected results

A small mistake in printed or typed text

2 5.1

Tends to make many mistakes

Solving a problem by trying different ways and learning from mistakes until you succeed

rounding error
  • Specialized
2 4.3

A small mistake in a calculation when you shorten numbers to fewer decimal places

syntax error
  • Specialized
1 4.2

A mistake in computer code that breaks the language rules before the program runs

programming error
  • Specialized
1 3.8

A mistake in computer code that makes software behave wrongly

error handling
  • Specialized
1 3.7

A way a program finds and deals with mistakes to keep working

404 error
  • Texting
1 3.9

A message shown when a website page is not found

system error
  • Specialized
1 4.1

A message that tells you the computer cannot follow an instruction

software error
  • Specialized
1 3.6

A problem in a computer program that makes it give wrong results

disk error
  • Specialized
3.8

A problem when a computer cannot open or save files on a disk because the disk is damaged

error correction code
  • Specialized
4.3

A way of adding extra information to data so small errors can be found and fixed

algorithm error
  • Specialized
5.4

A mistake in the steps a program uses that gives wrong results

literal error
  • Jargon
3.7

A mistake in printed text that happens during printing or typing

hardware error
  • Specialized
3.4

A problem caused by a broken part inside a computer

7.7

A health problem passed from parents that makes the body unable to use food properly

run-time error
  • Specialized
5.5

A problem that happens while a program is running because of wrong data or bad instructions

runtime error
  • Specialized
4.6

An unexpected problem that happens while a program runs because of wrong input or actions

9.9

A person or side who asks a higher court to change a lower court's decision

semantic error
  • Specialized
6.9

An error in a program's logic that makes it give wrong results even when the code runs without errors

truncation error
  • Specialized
8.2

A mistake that happens when a calculation is stopped early and numbers or parts are left out

Letters inside words are mixed but the text is still easy to read

writ of error
  • Archaic
9.9

An official order from a higher court asking a lower court to send trial papers to be checked for mistakes

How Severe

failure
  • Specialized
396 3.3
to crash
  • Specialized
156 3.2
error
  • Specialized
300 3.0
to glitch
  • Specialized
3 5.8

Surface Forms

error singular
errors plural

Etymology

Error comes from Latin errare, 'to wander' or 'to stray', and the same root appears in the verb err ('to make a mistake'). So a computer error is when a program 'wanders away' from the right steps and gives a wrong result.